Computer monitor apron

ABSTRACT

A message board apron for use with a computer monitor and keyboard includes a flat base, a support member extending upwardly from the base, and a tabletop member coupled to the support member proximate an edge of the tabletop member, the tabletop member having a dry-erase writing surface thereon. A variety of holders are provided in the tabletop member for holding accessories, such as hooks, pockets for writing implements or a recessed portion having a shape for receiving a pad of Post-It® notes or other paper therein. The message board apron is placed on a desktop in front of a computer monitor with a keyboard placed in front of or partially underneath the tabletop member, thereby removing providing a writing surface and/or accessories available to the computer user yet held up and away from the desktop surface.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to computer accessories,and more particularly to a message board apron for use with a computermonitor and/or keyboard that provides a tabletop.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Computer desks are often cluttered and unorganized spaces. First,the computer itself generally takes up substantial space on the desktoprequiring sufficient room for a monitor and keyboard, even if othercomponents, such as a computer case and external peripherals are placedoff the desktop. A workspace is generally provided for the computer userin front of or adjacent to the keyboard, but this area often becomescluttered with papers, books and the like. Thus, it may become difficultto locate a pad of paper, a Post-It® note, a pen or other officeaccessories that may be on the desktop but buried beneath other objects.

[0003] To assist in taking and saving messages and the like, a messageboard may be mounted on a wall near the computer desk. These messageboards, however, may not be convenient to the computer user who wants towrite a quick message or note without leaving their desk. Message boardshave been suggested that are mounted to the face of the monitor, e.g.,around one or more edges of the monitor without covering the viewingarea. These boards, however, may be bulky and may extend well beyond thespace occupied by the monitor, interfering with the computer user's viewfrom their desk. These boards are also mounted at a height and an anglethat may not be convenient for the computer user to write a note whileseated at the desk.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a computer accessory thatfacilitates writing messages and/or holding accessories useful to thecomputer user without adding substantially to the clutter on a desktop.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention is directed to a message board apron foruse with a computer monitor and keyboard. Generally, the message boardapron includes a substantially flat base for supporting the messageboard apron on a horizontal surface, a support member extendinggenerally upwardly from the base, and a tabletop member coupled to thesupport member, preferably proximate an edge of the tabletop member. Thetabletop member preferably has a writing surface thereon, such as adry-erase laminate surface.

[0006] Preferably, the tabletop member extends generally parallel to thebase. In addition, the tabletop member may be pivotable relative to thebase, for example, by providing a hinged connection between the supportmember and the base. In a preferred form, the base includes one or morefeet extending forward from the support member under the tabletopmember, thereby defining a “C” shaped cross-section providing a cavityfor receiving a keyboard therein. Preferably, the vertical distancebetween the base and the tabletop member corresponds substantially tothe distance between a horizontal surface and a bottom of a viewing areaof a computer monitor placed on the horizontal surface.

[0007] The message board apron may also include a variety of holders,such as recesses and hooks, for holding accessories. For example, thetabletop member may include a pocket for receiving a writing implementor an eraser, such as a recessed slot extending horizontally along aportion of the tabletop member or a vertical cylindrical recess forreceiving an end of the writing implement therein. A recess may beprovided that has a substantially rectangular cross-section for holdingone or more planar accessories, such as business cards or floppy disks,in a generally vertical orientation.

[0008] A recessed portion may be provided adjacent the writing surfacedefined by side walls and a bottom wall, the recessed portion having ashape for receiving a pad of paper, such as a pad of Post-It® notes,therein. Two or more upper edges of the side walls of the recessedportion may include retaining lips extending partially across therecessed portion for substantially retaining the pad of paper therein. Agenerally planar member may be received in the recessed portionsubstantially parallel to the bottom wall, the planar member beingbiased to slide away from the bottom wall for directing a pad of paperreceived thereon into engagement with the retaining lips. One of theside walls may include a sloped edge therein for facilitating removal ofone or more sheets from the top of the pad of paper received in therecessed portion.

[0009] The message board apron may be placed on a desktop in front of acomputer monitor with a keyboard placed in front of or partiallyunderneath the tabletop member. The base may be arranged rearward underthe monitor stand, thereby substantially anchoring the message boardapron. Alternatively, the base may be arranged forward under thetabletop member, such that the keyboard may be slid over the base andstored under the tabletop member. The tabletop member preferably abutsthe face of the monitor immediately under the viewing area, thereby notinterfering substantially with use of the monitor.

[0010] A message board apron in accordance with the present inventionallows a variety of accessories, such as a writing surface, a pad ofpaper, writing implements and the like to be removed from the desktopsurface around the computer, but still allows the accessories to beavailable for the computer user. The user may conveniently write notesor messages on the writing surface and/or the top sheet of the pad ofpaper, without having to stand or otherwise leave the computer desk, andwithout having to hunt through a cluttered desk for something to writeon or for a writing implement.

[0011] Other objects and features of the present invention will becomeapparent from consideration of the following description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a message board apron, inaccordance with one aspect of the present invention.

[0013]FIG. 2 is a side view of the message board apron of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIGS. 3A-3C are perspective views of the message board apron ofFIG. 1 being assembled.

[0015]FIGS. 4A and 4B show the message board apron in front of acomputer monitor with a keyboard placed under and in front of themessage board apron, respectively.

[0016]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a messageboard apron with a computer monitor and keyboard, in accordance with thepresent invention.

[0017]FIG. 6 is a side view of the message board apron of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Turning now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 show a first preferredembodiment of a message board apron 10 that generally includes atabletop 12, one or more support members 14 and a base 16. The tabletop12 is a generally planar member, preferably having a generallyrectangular shape. The tabletop 12 includes front and back edges 18, 20generally having a length corresponding generally to the width of acomputer monitor, and side edges 22 having a length substantiallysmaller than the length of the front and back edges 18, 20. The backedge 20 preferably has a shape corresponding substantially to the faceof a computer monitor, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT) or a flat screendisplay, below the viewing area. For example, the back edge 20 may havea slight concave shape, as shown in FIG. 1, or alternatively, may have asubstantially flat shape (not shown).

[0019] The tabletop 12 has an upper surface 24 which includes one ormore useful accessories. For example, in the preferred embodiment ofFIG. 1, the upper surface 24 includes a dry-erase laminate surface 26which covers a substantial portion of the tabletop 12. The laminatesurface 26 may be formed from a variety of known materials, such ascoated paper, melamine-coated masonite or porcelain-coated steel orother metal. Alternatively, other erasable writing surfaces may beprovided, such as a “wet-erase” laminate or slate.

[0020] An elongate semi-cylindrical slot 28 extends along the uppersurface 24 for receiving a dry-erase marker or other writing implement29. Alternatively, cylindrical vertical pockets (not shown) may beprovided in the upper surface 24 or extending from the side edges 22 forreceiving a writing implement. A generally semi-cylindrical slot 40 isalso provided for receiving a similarly shaped dry-erase eraser, such asa generally cylindrical-shaped eraser (not shown).

[0021] A generally rectangular or square recess 30 is provided adjacentthe dry-erase surface 26 for receiving a pad of Post-It® notes and thelike (not shown). The recess 30 includes a plurality of side walls 32and a bottom wall 34 (shown in phantom) having a predetermined width,length and depth corresponding substantially to a desired pad size. Apair of retaining lips 36 are provided along upper edges 38 of therecess 30, preferably integrally formed or molded into the tabletop 12,for substantially retaining the pad in the recess 30. One of the sidewalls 32 a may include a sloped region 33 to facilitate taking one ormore sheets from the top of the pad.

[0022] A planar member 35, such as a plastic panel having a width andlength slightly smaller than the recess 30, may be placed in the recess30 which is biased upwards to direct the pad into engagement with theretaining lips 36. For example, one or more springs 37 (shown inphantom) may be provided in the recess 30 beneath the planar member,e.g., attached to and/or extending upwardly from the bottom wall 34 ofthe recess 30.

[0023] Other structures may also be provided that are attachable to orintegrally molded to the tabletop 12. For example, one or more hooks(not shown) may be attached or mounted to the tabletop 12, e.g., alongone or both of the side edges 18, for receiving a key ring or otheritem. Recesses having shapes corresponding substantially toappropriately sized objects may also be provided in the upper surface24. For example, a recess may be provided that has a rectangular shapefor holding a plurality of planar objects, e.g. business cards or floppydisks, in a substantially vertical orientation.

[0024] Alternatively, the tabletop 12 may provide one or more dispenserholders (not shown) for receiving accessories such as scotch tape orstamps. The dispenser holder may simply be a semi-cylindrical recessinto which a roll may be received, or tabs may be provided for engaginga hub of the roll (not shown).

[0025] Turning to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3A-3C, the tabletop 12 is substantiallysupported by the support member 14 and the base 16. The support member14 and base 16 are preferably separate components that are attached tothe tabletop 12 and/or each other to provide the assembled message boardapron 10. The separate components may be initially separated in asubstantially flat configuration, e.g., pre-packaged for sale, andassembled by the purchaser prior to use. Alternatively, the tabletop 12,support member 14 and/or base 16 may be integrally formed or moldedtogether as a single piece.

[0026] The support member 14 extends generally downwardly and preferablysubstantially perpendicularly from the tabletop 12, and has a firstupper end 54 and a second lower end 42. The first end 54 is coupled tothe tabletop 12, preferably to a lower surface 50 thereof. In apreferred form, the support member 14 is attached on or near the backedge 20 of the tabletop 12, thereby maximizing the space under thetabletop 12. Alternatively, the support member 14 may be attached to anintermediate region (not shown) of the lower surface 50, or the supportmember 14 may extend along the lower surface 50, for example, at leastpartially between the back and front edges 20, 18. In a furtheralternative, the support member 14 may have an arcuate shape, may bebent or otherwise oriented at an angle with respect to the tabletop 12to provide a space under the tabletop 12 for accommodating a keyboardand the like.

[0027] As best seen in FIG. 3A, slots or pockets 48 are provided in thelower surface 50 of the tabletop 12, preferably defined by wall portions56 integrally molded into the tabletop 12. A first set of tabs 52 areprovided on the first end 54 of the support member 14 that correspond torespective slots 48, e.g., the tabs 52 being defined by notches 53formed in the support member 14. To attach the support member 14 to thetabletop 12, the tabs 52 are aligned with and securely inserted into theslots 48.

[0028] Turning to FIGS. 3B and 3C, a flange 58 extends along the secondend 42 of the support member 14 that includes notches 60 defining asecond set of tabs 62 for attaching the base 16 thereto. The base 16includes a pair of substantially flat feet 66 extending generallyperpendicularly from the second end 42 of the support member 14. Eachfoot 66 preferably includes a toe portion 44 and a heel portion 46located on opposite ends of the foot 16, and a raised tab 64 defined byslots 65 at an intermediate location between the heel and toe portions46, 44.

[0029] Each foot 66 may be attached to the support member 14 by aligningand inserting the tabs 62 into the slots 65 until the tabs 62substantially engage the raised tabs 64. In a preferred form, the toeportion 44 is substantially longer than the heel portion 46. Thus, whenthe foot 66 is attached to the support member 14, the toe portion 44extends further from the support member 14 than does the heel portion46.

[0030] In addition, one or more non-skid elements (not shown) may beprovided on each of the feet 66 to engage a surface onto which themessage board apron 10 is placed. The non-skid elements may prevent thefeet 66 from sliding along the surface and/or may prevent the feet 66from scuffing or otherwise damaging the surface. In one form, one ormore tabs (not shown) of non-skid material, such as rubber or silicone,may be attached, for example by an adhesive, to predetermined locationson a bottom surface 45 of the feet 66. The tabs may have a generallycircular shape and may have an indented surface to provide a slightsuction cup contact with the surface that may further prevent skidding.Alternatively, a non-skid layer of material, such as a thin rubber mat,may be attached to and cover a portion of or all of the bottom surface45 of the feet 66. The layer of material may include a patterned surfaceto further enhance engagement between the feet 66 and the surface, aswill be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0031] When the message board apron 10 is assembled as shown in FIG. 1,the toe portion 44 preferably extends forward, i.e., towards the frontedge 18 of the tabletop 12. Thus, the message board apron 10 has agenerally “C” shaped cross-section that defines a cavity 94, as shown inFIG. 2. Turning to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the message board apron 10 may beplaced in front of a computer monitor 80 such that the back edge 20 ofthe tabletop 12 abuts the front face 82 of the monitor a short distancebelow the viewing area 84. A keyboard 90 may be placed under thetabletop 12 when not being used (FIG. 4A), the keyboard 90 resting onthe feet 66, and then the keyboard 90 may be partially pulled out duringuse (FIG. 4B).

[0032] Thus, the message board apron 10 provides a writing surfaceand/or a number of useful accessories that occupy substantially littledesktop space other than the space already required for a computerkeyboard. The tabletop 12 extends at least partially over the keyboard90, but the keyboard 90 may be easily moved out to access all of itskeys. The writing surface 26 on the tabletop 12 is provided in agenerally horizontal arrangement only inches above the desktop surface,thus providing a more comfortable, natural location for the writingsurface than vertically mounted message boards. The tabletop 12 may beoriented substantially horizontally when placed on a horizontal surface,such as a desktop, or the tabletop 12 may be angled slightly downwardfrom the back edge 20 towards the front edge 18 to provide additionalcomfort or convenience.

[0033] Alternatively, the feet 66 may be attached to the support member14 such that the toe portion 44 extends rearward. For this arrangement,the toe portion 44 may be placed under the monitor 80 or its supportstand (not shown) in order for the back edge 20 of the tabletop 12 toabut the face 82 of the monitor.

[0034] In further alternatives, a single foot (not shown) may beprovided, for example, extending the full width of the support member 14or tabletop 12 or only partially along the width if it providessufficient stability for the tabletop 12. The support member 14 mayinclude a plurality of generally vertical members (not shown) extendingbetween the tabletop 12 and one or more feet 66. In addition, theconnection between the support member 14 and the tabletop 12 or the base16 may be pivotable, such that the generally horizontal angle of thetabletop 12 may be adjusted by the user and/or the vertical distancebetween the tabletop 12 and the base 16, i.e., the height of thetabletop 12, may be adjusted.

[0035] Turning to FIGS. 5 and 6, another preferred embodiment of amessage board apron 110 is shown, for use with a computer monitor 80 anda keyboard 90. The message board apron 110 generally includes a tabletop112, a support member 114 attached to the tabletop 112, and a base 116pivotally attached to the support member 114. The tabletop 112preferably includes a dry-erase surface 126, and a recess 130 forreceiving a pad of Post-It® notes and the like, similar to theembodiment described above.

[0036] In addition, the tabletop 112 includes a raised lip 128 extendingalong the front edge 118 for preventing a writing instrument 129 fromfalling off the tabletop 112. A plurality of substantially verticalcylindrical recesses 170 are provided in the tabletop 112 for holdingwriting instruments, a substantially horizontal semi-cylindrical recess140 is provided for an eraser (not shown), and a rectangular recess forbusiness cards and the like (not shown) is also provided. Otheraccessories may be provided in addition to or instead of those shown, aswill be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0037] The support member 114 includes an upper flange 152 which may befastened to the tabletop 112, e.g., to the lower surface 150, by screws,bolts, adhesives and the like, and/or by an interlocking fit, such asthe tabs and slots described previously. The support member 114 also hasa hinge 162 mated to a cooperating hinge 164 on the base 116. The hinges162, 164 preferably allow the support member 114 to be adjusted, butsubstantially hold a position once set. For example, the hinges 162, 164may be held simply by internal friction, or alternatively by a lockingmechanism (not shown) which may be manually locked and unlocked tosubstantially anchor and release the support member 114, respectively.

[0038] The base 116 is preferably a single substantially flat panelwhich is arranged rearward from the tabletop 112, and onto which thebase 86 of the monitor 80 is placed, thereby substantially anchoring themessage board apron 110 relative to the monitor 80. The back edge 120 ofthe tabletop 112 may abut the face 82 of the monitor 80 withoutsubstantially obstructing the viewing area 84, as explained previously.The tabletop 112 may then be pulled forward, if desired, to change theangle of the upper surface 124. Alternatively, the tabletop 112 may bepivotable relative to the support member 114, thereby allowing theheight of the tabletop 112 to be adjusted independently of the angle.

[0039] Thus, the tabletop 112 is provided a predetermined distance abovethe surface of the desktop 92, thereby defining a cavity 94 into whichthe keyboard 90 may be slid, as best seen in FIG. 6. Preferably, thesupport member has a predetermined height such that tabletop 112 islocated between about three inches and about eight inches above thedesktop 94, and more preferably between about four inches and about sixinches, i.e., close to the height of the bottom of the viewing area of astandard computer monitor. This allows the tabletop 112 to be usedwithout substantially obstructing the viewing area 84 and allows theaccessories thereon to be available without occupying substantial extraspace on the desktop 94.

[0040] In further alternatives, it may be possible to eliminate thesupport member and base and directly couple a tabletop, such as thatshown in FIG. 1, to the face of a computer monitor below its viewingarea. For example, the tabletop may be integrally molded as part of themonitor housing, extending from the face below the viewing area of themonitor. Alternatively, the tabletop may be a separate member attachedto the front of the monitor by an adhesive and/or by a mechanicalfastener, such as a clamp or strap.

[0041] In one form, a separate tabletop member may be provided thatdefines an upper surface having an erasable writing surface thereon. Aback edge of the tabletop member may have a shape correspondingsubstantially to the shape of the face of the computer monitor. Anadhesive, such as a double-sided adhesive tape, may be applied to theback edge and/or to region of the face of the computer monitor to whichthe tabletop member is to be attached. The back edge of the tabletop maythen be bonded substantially permanently to the face of the computermonitor.

[0042] Alternatively, one or more clamping members may be providedhaving a first extension attached to the tabletop member and a secondextension attachable to the computer monitor. For example, the firstextension may be attached to the back edge of the tabletop member and/orto a lower surface of the tabletop member. The second extension may beattached to a side panel and/or a lower panel of the monitor housing. Ina further alternative, one or more straps may be attached to thetabletop member that may be extended at least partially around, andpreferably completely around, the computer monitor and secured thereto.In still a further alternative, hook and eye material be attached alongthe back edge of the tabletop member and the face of the monitor,respectively, for attaching the tabletop member to the monitor.

[0043] The adhesive and/or mechanical fastener should be sufficientlystrong to support the weight of the tabletop member, and any accessoriesthat may be received therein, such as a pad of Post-It® notes, adry-erase pen and the like. Thus, the tabletop member may be supportedin a cantilever manner from the face of the monitor. When the monitor isplaced on a horizontal surface, the stand which supports the monitorthus also supports the tabletop at a predetermined height above thesurface, thereby providing a space thereunder for receiving a keyboard,as described above.

[0044] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications, andalternative forms, specific examples thereof have been shown in thedrawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood,however, that the invention is not to be limited to the particular formsor methods disclosed, but to the contrary, the invention is to cover allmodifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spiritand scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A message board apron for use with a computermonitor and keyboard, comprising: a substantially flat base forsupporting the message board apron on a horizontal surface; a supportmember extending generally upwardly from the base; a tabletop membercoupled to the support member, the tabletop member having a writingsurface thereon.
 2. The message board apron of claim 1 , wherein thesupport member is attached to the tabletop member proximate to a backedge thereof.
 3. The message board apron of claim 1 , wherein thetabletop member extends generally parallel to the base.
 4. The messageboard apron of claim 3 , wherein the tabletop member includes a pocketfor receiving a writing implement.
 5. The message board apron of claim 4, wherein the pocket is a recessed slot extending along a portion of thetabletop member.
 6. The message board apron of claim 4 , wherein thepocket comprises a substantially vertical cylindrical recess forreceiving an end of the writing implement therein.
 7. The message boardapron of claim 1 , wherein the tabletop member further comprises arecessed portion adjacent the writing surface defined by side walls anda bottom wall, the recessed portion having a shape for receiving a padof paper therein.
 8. The message board apron of claim 7 , wherein one ormore upper edges of the side walls of the recessed portion include aretaining lip extending partially across the recessed portion forsubstantially retaining the pad of paper therein.
 9. The message boardapron of claim 8 , further comprising a generally planar member receivedin the recessed portion substantially parallel to the bottom wall, theplanar member being biased away from the bottom wall for directing a padof paper received thereon into engagement with the retaining lip. 10.The message board apron of claim 8 , wherein one of the side wallsincludes a sloped region therein for facilitating removal of one or moresheets from the pad of paper received in the recessed portion.
 11. Themessage board apron of claim 1 , wherein the writing surface comprises adry-erase laminate.
 12. The message board apron of claim 1 , wherein thetabletop member is pivotable relative to the base.
 13. The message boardapron of claim 1 , wherein the base comprises one or more feet extendingforward from the support member under the tabletop member, therebydefining a “C” shaped cross-section providing a cavity for receiving akeyboard therein.
 14. The message board of claim 1 , further comprisinga non-skid element on a bottom surface of the base.
 15. The messageboard apron of claim 1 , wherein the vertical distance between the baseand the tabletop member corresponds substantially to the distancebetween a horizontal surface and a bottom of a viewing area of acomputer monitor placed on the horizontal surface.
 16. A message boardapron for use with a computer monitor and keyboard, comprising: agenerally planar tabletop member defining an upper surface having alaminate surface thereon; a support member extending from the tabletopmember, the support member having first and second ends, the first endbeing coupled to or near a back edge of the tabletop member; and asubstantially flat base portion coupled to the support member, the baseportion extending generally parallel to the tabletop member.
 17. Themessage board apron of claim 16 , wherein the support member ispivotally attached to one of the base and the tabletop member foradjusting the position of the tabletop member relative to the base. 18.The message board apron of claim 16 , wherein the tabletop membercomprises a recess having a predetermined shape for holding anappropriately shaped accessory.
 19. The message board apron of claim 18, wherein the recess has a substantially rectangular cross-section forholding one or more planar accessories in a generally verticalorientation.
 20. The message board apron of claim 19 , wherein the oneor more planar accessories are selected from the group consisting ofbusiness cards and floppy disks.
 21. The message board apron of claim 18, further comprising a tape dispenser received in the recess.
 22. Themessage board apron of claim 18 , wherein the appropriately shapedaccessory is a pad of paper, and the recess has a shape for holding thepad of paper therein substantially parallel to a bottom wall thereof.23. The message board apron of claim 22 , wherein the recess comprisestwo or more upper edges having retaining lips extending partially acrossthe recess for substantially retaining the pad of paper therein.
 24. Themessage board apron of claim 23 , further comprising a generally planarmember received in the recess substantially parallel to the bottom wall,the planar member being biased away from the bottom wall for directing apad of paper received thereon into engagement with the retaining lips.25. The message board apron of claim 23 , wherein the recess comprises asloped region for facilitating removal of one or more sheets from thepad of paper received in the recess.
 26. The message board apron ofclaim 18 , wherein the recess comprises a substantially verticalcylindrical pocket for receiving an end of the writing implementtherein.
 27. The message board apron of claim 18 , wherein the recesscomprises a semi-cylindrical slot extending substantially horizontallyalong a portion of the tabletop for holding a writing implement.
 28. Themessage board apron of claim 16 , further comprising an accessory hookextending from the tabletop member.
 29. The message board apron of claim16 , wherein the base portion comprises one or more feet extendingforward from the support member under the tabletop member, therebydefining a “C” shaped cross-section providing a cavity for receiving akeyboard therein.
 30. The message board apron of claim 16 , wherein thevertical distance between the base portion and the tabletop membercorresponds substantially to the distance between a horizontal surfaceand a bottom of a viewing area of a computer monitor placed on thehorizontal surface.
 31. A message board apron for a computer monitor,comprising: a generally planar tabletop member defining an upper surfacehaving an erasable writing surface thereon; means for coupling thetabletop member to a face of a computer monitor.
 32. The message boardapron of claim 31 , wherein the tabletop member has a back edge having ashape corresponding substantially to the shape of the face of thecomputer monitor below a viewing area thereof.
 33. The message boardapron of claim 32 , wherein the means for coupling the tabletop memberto the face of the computer monitor comprises an adhesive on the backedge of the tabletop member bondable to the face of the computermonitor.
 34. The message board apron of claim 32 , wherein the means forcoupling the tabletop member to the face of the computer monitorcomprises a clamp member having a first extension attached to thetabletop member and a second extension attachable to the computermonitor.
 35. The message board apron of claim 32 , wherein the means forcoupling the tabletop member to the face of the computer monitorcomprises a strap attached to the tabletop member, the strap beingextendable at least partially around the computer monitor.
 36. Themessage board apron of claim 31 , wherein the tabletop member furthercomprises a recess having a predetermined shape for holding anappropriately shaped accessory.
 37. The message board apron of claim 31, wherein the writing surface comprises a dry-erase laminate.
 38. Acomputer monitor, comprising: a monitor housing having a front panel,the front panel having an opening therein defining a viewing area; and agenerally planar tabletop member extending from the front panel belowthe viewing area, the tabletop member comprising an upper surface havinga writing surface thereon.
 39. The computer monitor of claim 38 ,wherein the tabletop member is integrally molded to the monitor housing.40. The computer monitor of claim 38 , wherein the tabletop member isattachable to the front panel of the monitor housing.
 41. The computermonitor of claim 40 , wherein the tabletop member is attached to thefront panel by an adhesive.
 42. The computer monitor of claim 40 ,wherein the tabletop member is attached to the front panel by amechanical fastener.